Hi, I'm Dan!
I'm a musician and educator.
I'm a native of western Massachusetts currently residing in Rhode Island, and I teach music to people of all ages throughout the region. I graduated from Anna Maria College's prestigious music program, where I was mentored by brilliant musicians, including guitarist Kevin Grudecki, bassist Steve Skop, pianist Maureen Connors, and conductor Reginald M. Houze. Of the many things I learned from them, the most important is a passion for music-making and education. I love what I do, and I hope to share that love with my students and colleagues.​
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Lessons
instruments
While I am proficient in several additional instruments, I offer lessons for the following, which are my specialties:
GUITAR
The guitar is beautifully versatile and great for any genre of music.
Bass
The bass is essential in most ensembles and is very enjoyable to learn.
Mandolin
The mandolin is popular in bluegrass and folk, and is great prep to learn violin.
Ukulele
The ukulele is a delightful instrument that's an excellent starting point for beginners.
Piano
The piano can serve as a great intro to music theory and group performance.
INFO & RATES
The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.
Mark van Doren
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I believe that my job is not to teach music, but to teach people. The basic mechanics of making music - technique, posture, and coordination - can be taught in hours; finding the true language of music, by comparison, requires that we teach the whole person and light the student with passion and drive. Just as we express our thoughts and emotions through speech, music allows us to express our inner selves beyond words.
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Weekly Rate
$25 per half hour
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Monthly Rate
$100 for 4+ lessons
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Siblings
(monthly only)
$175 for two children
+$75 per additional child
Lessons During COVID-19
While COVID remains a significant threat to public health, I will offer lessons both virtually (via Skype, FaceTime, Zoom, etc.) and in-person with masks and appropriate distancing measures. For your and my own safety, I am not able to make exceptions for anyone; however, I am happy to work with you to find the right solution for your learning style.
Performance
Theater
Theater is one of the places I feel most at home as a performer. I've worked in both college and high school productions, as well as in community playhouses, and it is always immensely rewarding to come together as a team to craft an experience.
Weddings
It it always an honor to be invited to take part in the joy and love that characterize a wedding, one of the most important days in many people's lives. I have performed, solo and as part of a group, for both ceremonies and receptions, and I would be happy to help you develop the perfect sound for your day.
Dining
Are you looking to enhance the atmosphere of a personal or professional dining event? Pick a style, decade, or artist and I'll work with you to develop a unique selection of music to entertain your guests. I have performed at jazz brunches throughout the region, and I would love to elevate your experience.
You get out of something what you put into it.
This has become the mantra that guides my approach to both music and life since a dear teacher shared it with me, and it only becomes more meaningful as time passes. Devoted practice and study will develop a skilled musician, but, beyond effort, I believe we must put love and passion into the work we do. By dedicating ourselves to an art and then sharing that art with others, we inspire, understand, and connect with those around us.
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In my career, I have been fortunate enough to perform in many contexts, each an opportunity I have cherished and learned from. If you feel that I could help with your performance needs, please reach out using the contact form below.
selected performances
Children of Eden
Guitar & Mandolin, Enter Stage Left Theater, 2019
Little Women
Bass, College of the Holy Cross, 2018
Anna Maria College Jazz Ensemble
Guitar, Anna Maria College, 2017
Worcester Polytechnic Jazz Ensemble
Bass, Wellesley College, 2016
The Wizard of Oz
Bass, Anna Maria College, 2015
Into the Woods
Bass, Anna Maria College, 2014
Little Shop of Horrors
Bass, Eagle Hill School, 2013
Jesus Christ Superstar
Guitar, Barre Players, 2012
